Manufactured exports from Scotland rose 1.1 per cent in the second quarter of the year.

Data from the Index of Manufactured Exports show most sectors experienced growth with the overall volume rising by two per cent on an annual basis.

In the latest quarter textiles, fur and leather saw the largest rise at 3.2 per cent.

Others include engineering and allied Industries (2.5 per cent), chemicals, coke, refined petroleum and nuclear fuel (2.4 per cent), food and drink (0.2 per cent) and other manufacturing (2.7 per cent).

Liz Cameron, chief executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said: "It is encouraging that the strong growth in Scotland's manufactured exports at the beginning of 2011 has continued into the second quarter.

"However trading conditions have become more challenging in the second half of the year, with economic uncertainty growing in the US and in the Eurozone.

"Exporting has been very important to our manufacturers in recent years as domestic demand has remained weak. It is vital we continue to diversify and identify new potential markets if this growth is to continue.

"It is clear this has been recognised by our Governments at Holyrood and Westminster and we need them to create the right environment to allow our exporting businesses to continue to thrive."

"In order to ensure sustainable economic growth it will be essential for the Scottish Government to prioritise policies that promote trade and business investment and in that regard we welcome the Scottish Government's ambition to see exports increase by 50 per cent over the next few years."

John Swinney, Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth, said: "These figures are encouraging and point towards continued growth in Scottish exports, echoing what weve seen in the most recent business surveys from Lloyds TSB and Scottish Engineering."